When to take your Driver CPC periodic training
The aim of Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (Driver CPC) periodic training is to provide continuing professional development for bus, coach and lorry drivers. This should last throughout your career, regardless of how often you drive.
Periodic training is delivered through courses that you attend over the five-year period for which your current Driver CPC is valid. There is no pass or fail element, and there is no requirement for tests or examinations.
You should allow enough time to complete your training within the five-year period - there is certain to be a mad rush in 2014, and not enough courses available. There is no advantage in delaying your periodic training. The sooner you do it, the sooner your knowledge and skills will be refreshed and updated, benefiting both you, and your employer, by improving your standards of driving and professionalism.
Each new five-year period will begin from the expiry date of your current Driver CPC qualification, and not from the date on which you reached the 35 hours minimum training requirement.
If you hold a vocational licence for buses and coaches as well as lorries, you only need to do one set of periodic training.
How do I prove I hold a Driver CPC?
You will be able to prove you hold Driver CPC by a Driver Qualification Card (DQC). The card will be issued to new drivers automatically on successfully passing the initial qualification. Drivers with acquired rights (holding a GB photo card licence) will be automatically issued with the card on completion of the 35th hour of periodic training. Until this time (or until the deadline to complete the periodic training passes), your driving licence will be accepted as proof of your Driver CPC status.
You can view an example of a DQC.
As the card will be sent to the address on your driving licence it is important that you keep your details up to date with DVLA.
Driver CPC periodic training syllabus for LGV drivers
This section describes the subjects covered in each of the three parts of the Driver CPC periodic training syllabus.
This is only a basic outline is given here. For the full syllabus download a guide to Driver CPC periodic training from the Driving Standards Agency.
Part 1: Advanced training
- Know the characteristics of the transmission system to make best possible use of it.
- Know the technical characteristics and operation of the vehicle's safety controls to minimise wear and tear and prevent malfunctioning.
- Ability to optimise fuel consumption.
- Ability to load the vehicle with due regard for safety rules and proper vehicle use.
Part 2: Application of regulations
- Know the social environment of road transport and the rules that govern it.
- Know the regulations for the carriage of goods.
Part 3: Health, road and environmental safety, service and logistics
- Be aware of the risks of the road and accidents at work.
- Ability to prevent criminality and trafficking of illegal immigrants.
- Ability to prevent physical risks.
- Awareness of the importance of physical and mental abilities.
- Ability to assess emergency situation.
- Adopting behaviour to help enhance the image of the company.
- Know the economic environment of road haulage and the organisation of the market.
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